Where is the best place to plant woodland phlox?
As its common name suggests, woodland phlox does best in woodland conditions in partial shade and rich, moist, well-drained soils. It is very adaptable and will tolerate dry and clay soils and is even drought tolerant once established. Although partial shade is best, it will tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Light: Both varieties of phlox enjoy full sun, although the upright Garden phlox can take a little afternoon shade, particularly in the south. Soil: Phlox is tolerant of most garden soils, but well-drained soil is preferable, particularly in northern areas where spring snow is slow to drain.Depending on the variety, phlox produces abundant, brilliant blooms in shades of pink, purple, and blue. Maintaining this easy-to-grow perennial means keeping common diseases at bay or treating them upon first sight. Three common diseases to be concerned about are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.Growing and Caring for Garden Phlox Garden Phlox thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from occasional deadheading to encourage prolonged blooming. Providing adequate air circulation and spacing between plants helps prevent powdery mildew, a common issue with older varieties.Choose a site with full sun and moist, well-drained soil. For heavy clay soils, amend the soil with compost before planting. Space tall garden phlox 24” apart to allow for air circulation and reduce the potential for powdery mildew.
What is the difference between phlox and woodland phlox?
Woodland Phlox is taller at 12-15″, producing lavender to light blue flowers in the shade. Garden Phlox is the tallest and most sun tolerant producing huge, 10-12″ clusters (panicles) of flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, blue, white, and striped for summer. Pollinators and wildlife: The fragrant, tubular flowers of garden phlox are attractive to butterflies, songbirds, hummingbirds, and moths.In addition to being gorgeous, Phlox is adaptable and demands very little from gardeners. The species prefers to be sited in full, blazing sun but can also handle partial shade. Just remember, the more shade Phlox is in, the fewer flowers it will produce.Creeping Phlox is a quickly spreading native plant that also stays evergreen in most climates. In the spring, it puts on a show when it covers itself in tiny five-petaled flowers.Companion Plants: Phlox combine nicely with other garden Phlox cultivars and numerous sun loving perennials such as Agastache, Coreopsis, Echinacea, Euonymus, Gaillardia, Hemerocallis, ornamental grasses, Nepeta, Penstemon, Perovskia, Physocarpus, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Sedum, and Weigela.Depending on the variety, phlox produces abundant, brilliant blooms in shades of pink, purple, and blue. Maintaining this easy-to-grow perennial means keeping common diseases at bay or treating them upon first sight. Three common diseases to be concerned about are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
Should you deadhead woodland phlox?
Deadheading can prevent self-seeding of plants that you don’t want to spread, such as clustered bellflower (Campanula glomerata). Don’t deadhead plants that you may want to spread, such as woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) and lupine (Lupinus). Regular deadheading (1-2 times a week) encourages the plants to put their energy into creating continuous growth and more blooms. Deadheading is a simple task, that only requires you to pinch or cut off the flower stem below the spent bloom, and just above the newest set of healthy leaves.To deadhead plants with thick, tough or stringy stems, use secateurs, scissors or a knife. On most plants, trim away the spent flower, cutting back to just above the next bud or leaf on the stem.Perennials that benefit from deadheading to prolong bloom or for rebloom include spike gayfeather (Liatris spicata), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), monkshood (Aconitum napellus), and garden phlox (Phlox paniculata).Deadhead and Prune Regularly One of the easiest ways to encourage more blooms is through deadheading and light pruning. Removing old flowers prevents the plant from setting seeds, which can stop new flowers from forming. Instead, your plant redirects its energy into producing new blooms.
Do woodland phlox spread?
Woodland phlox will slowly spread and form a mat. Also, it can spread by seeds. It is not rabbit or deer resistant. Deer, Rabbits, and Voles In contrast to deer, however, rabbits and voles do enjoy munching phlox’s delicate florets. If rabbits and voles are eating only the blossoms, phlox will likely recover.
Are woodland phlox deer resistant?
Woodland Phlox will spread over time, creating a lovely floral carpet. Native to Eastern North America, it prefers part shade with moist, well-drained soil. Once established it is quite drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Cut tall phlox down in the fall. To prune tall phlox in fall, wait until a killing frost turns your plants brown, and then cut your plants off at the soil line. This is critical if you want to keep mildew from spreading; it will help your plants come back stronger in spring.Bare root Phlox should be planted immediately upon receiving, in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Those gardening in warmer climates can also plant Phlox in the fall. After planting, you can expect top growth to form in a few weeks, depending on the soil and air temperatures.Divide phlox plants by digging up and separating the root ball into new clumps. Phlox cuttings should be several inches long and must have several leaves. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes. Phlox cuttings can be propagated in soil or water.Phlox are herbaceous border stalwarts – hardy and very easy to grow. They have sturdy stems, so even the taller varieties rarely need staking. Largely pest-free and disease-resistant, they last for years in the garden.